Sunday, January 19, 2014

I have three great friends name Jennifer, all of whom I see
and talk to regularly. They're all completely different from each other and yet
very similar in the essential ways. They're each absolutely hilarious and down
to earth. They each love Jesus, people, and food and wine...in that order (my
criteria for lifelong friendship). And interestingly enough, they each share a
love for running. Since that's an activity completely foreign to me, I wanted
to interview them to learn more. What about running moves them?

Between the three of them, these rock star Jennifers have
run 15 half marathons, 8 full marathons, and over 10 shorter races over the
last few years. One particularly hardcore Jen ran the Mega which is pretty much
a marathon/hike through the woods of Pennsylvania. I mean, seriously. Who does
that? They all seemed to get serious about this “hobby” after age 30. If it
were solely about physical fitness, I'm sure they would've eventually let it
go, just like any other fad workout. The fact that they continue with this
discipline after several years tells me that there's more to it. Something
about running moves them figuratively and literally. When I explored it with
them, this is what I Iearned. Running appeals to them on four key domains of
wellness: social, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

1)Social
wellness- Each of them started because of a friend’s encouragement. One said,
“After some conversation with friends where I said I could NEVER run a half
marathon, they signed me up for it anyway…I got bit by the running “bug” and
have been running ever since.” Someone in their life made them feel like they
could, so they did. Then once they started, they became part of a community.
Not only do their loved ones cheer them on at races, but so do complete
strangers. There’s nothing like a crowd of people you don’t even know cheering
you on and telling you that you can do it.

2)Physical
wellness- There’s lots of benefits to aerobic activity. It helps with weight
management, prevents a sedentary lifestyle, and keeps the body regulated. One
shared proudly, “My doctor has told me that since running my cholesterol looks
good. My blood pressure is, and I quote her, “beautiful.” These Jennifers seem
to eat better, sleep better, and feel better when they run. Sounds like good
reasons to me.

3)Emotional
wellness- Each one mentioned running as a form of stress relief. It offers a
solace to process the issues of life. One shared how healing it is for her.
“When I was going through a painful time in my life, the marathon training
helped me process my emotions and feelings by replaying what had happened until
it stopped hurting so badly.” Running is her therapy.

4)Spiritual
wellness- Lastly, running is about nurturing their spirit. “It gets me outdoors
enjoying God’s creation, and gives me time and space to clear my head and just
get with God.” Through that consecrated time of prayer and meditation they
learned these key life lessons: a) Keep moving, b) Be patient with yourself, c)
Do it for you, d) Embrace all seasons, and e) You can do anything you set your
mind to

I have tremendous respect for the Jennifers in my life. I've
heard their stories. I've witnessed their setbacks and triumphs. I'm blessed to
be running life's marathon with them. They are truly overcomers and they
inspire me. You might read this and not be any closer to running around the
block, much less a marathon. But that's not the point. It's about taking this
New Year and finding whatever your thing is. Discover what gives you life and
teaches you about yourself. In this next year, I challenge you all to be like
my Jens and do what moves you. I know that's my plan.